Taiwan's President Lai in Hawaii after declaring Taiwan a force for global peace

1/12/2024 11:23

        Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te began a two-day U.S. stopover in Hawaii on Saturday as part of a Pacific tour after declaring his democratically governed island a key force for promoting global peace and stability.
        
        China, which views Taiwan as its own territory and opposes any foreign interactions or visits by the island's leaders, has been stepping up military pressure against Taiwan, including two rounds of war games this year.
        
        China views Lai as a dangerous separatist and on Friday urged Washington to exercise "utmost caution" in its relations with Taiwan.
        
        Security sources have told Reuters that Beijing may hold more military exercises to coincide with Lai's Pacific tour, which will also include a stopover in Guam, a U.S. territory. It is Lai's first foreign trip since taking office in May.
        
        After Hawaii, he will go to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that retain formal diplomatic ties with Taipei and a part of the world where China has been exerting stronger influence.